We have always heard about Belgian glasses, somewhat in tune of- neighbour's envy, owner's pride! But once you are in Belgium, you realise the actual beauty of glasses in Belgium. Specially the stained glass windows of its churches. Most of them are actually piece of art. Few of them have been actually painted by top artists of their times. All of them have historical, architectural value. Actually until medieval times, churches had been the prominent patrons of the art. Many renowned painters did their all well-known works for the church. That's the reason churches in Europe still preserve many those artefacts and hence they are major source of attraction for tourists. Yasmine Hafiz from Huffington Post had once written, "When stepping into a holy place, our eyes seek the light. If we’...
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This is the Memmelocke Statue at Botermarkt 17 in Ghent, Belgium. A classical sculpture on the top of a building which was once the entrance to the city prison and also the wardens house. This building is located between the Belfry and the Lakenhelle. In the crypt of the Lakenhelle the city jail was housed for almost 150 years from 1742 to 1902. This sculpture depicts a scene from a Roman legend that tells how a prisoner was condemned to death by starvation and thirst. The man was thrown into a dungeon by the Roman prefect in Ghent. Only his daughter was allowed to visit her. But she was not allowed to take any food or drink to her father. Daughter was an adult. The father remained alive still after six months. Apparently the daughter had just become a mother. In attempt to save her...
Read MoreDisclaimer: Well, I know it is World Whisky Day! But this post is not to commemorate that, rest assured. It was long due. I am not a teetotaller but not a tippler even. My research about Belgium indeed told me that Belgian chocolates are the best, but I came to know about Beers and Wines of Belgium, only once I landed there. SO, once I was there, that aspect was duly explored. And, it turned out to be very interesting indeed. Well, Belgian is well-known for it Beers world-over. Its said that Belgium has been churning out beer since the crusades. Capital Brussels is proudly included in one of the top beer cities in the world. It is considered also as the capital of Belgian beer culture. There are countryside monasteries that brew monk-made Trappist ales. Cantillon Brewery is said ...
Read MoreIn its 20th year, the world famous floral carpet of Brussels will be decorated in the colours of Japan to celebrate its expertise in floral art. This year, Japan and Belgium are celebrating their 150th anniversary of friendly relations, established in 1866 with the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation. On this special year, Japan has been given the honour to be invited as guest country to the world-famous Flower Carpet in Grand Place. The 2016 flower carpet is showcasing nature in Japanese tradition with its numerous good luck talismans: flowers, birds, the wind and the moon are symbols of the natural beauty (Kacho-fugetsu); Koi (Japanese carps) represent strength and growth; pine trees and bamboos are signs of good omen; and the cherry blossoms, of course. This ephemeral tapestry w
Read MoreAs a rousing start of the PrideFestival, MiniPride is being organised on April, 29th. This parade is the folkloric version of the big PrideParade, that will be held later during the PrideFestival. The MiniPride starts with an opening reception in the city hall. Pride starts from 6.30 pm in the ‘Galerie Des Souverains’. This reception will be followed by a manifestation with the fanfare of the Meyboom. The actual PRIDE.be will take place on May, 14th to enable people to come together to pursue equality of rights and to improve the life of the LGBTQI-community. Starting from the City Hall, the MiniPride procession goes towards Manneken-Pis, which will provide in his own way for cherry. After this, the procession returns to the Grand Place which will be lit up in rainbow colours. Then the
Read MoreDuring the occasion of the Iris Festival this coming May 7 – 8, a party atmosphere will spread throughout the neighbourhoods of Brussels. More than 200 activities are on the agenda. Streets alive!, Brussels, born and bred !, Food Truck Festival, Out! Village and many more will join forces to transform these two days into a must-see weekend. Public Corner – Sunday 8 May, from 12am to 6pm At the initiative of Fadila Lanaan, Secretary of State for the Civil Service of the Brussels-Capital Region, a new village, the "Public Corner", will be placed at the entrance to Brussels Park. This new regional village will bring together a dozen public services each of which will offer leisure activities featuring the daily work of the people of Brussels. Also, in cooperation with beezy.brussels...
Read MoreWe have already read about how city of Bruges in Belgium showcases its Public Art. Another city in Belgium is know for its different form of art- graffiti. This is Ghent. We are talking about Graffiti Street in Ghent. This narrow alley called Werregaren straat, between Vrijdagmarkt and Groentenmarkt is know as Graffiti Street- a street full of graffiti. Ghent is a university town and hence obviously a city with active youth culture. We associate this generation with more expressive behaviour such as graffitis. Belgium has historically been a big centre of art. Combined with a historical interest in art, in Ghent we see streets where whole walls are covered in cartoons. Ghent is also territory of renowned artists such as ROA and the Blue Warrior. So this street has graffiti al
Read MoreBruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium and perhaps on the northern coast of Europe. The entire historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As with many other cities in Europe, one of the most interesting part about Bruges is its public art. A public art space is reflection of a vibrant, open and inclusive society. It also denotes that how a society respects different ideas and preserves them. Art plays an essential role in formulating new alternatives and it provides starting point for dialog. Art and art installations are there to see all around in Bruges- roadsides, house tops, balconies, city centres and even on public water taps. Well I am not an art critic, but I found the different forms of art in public places very fascinating in Bruges. Bruges has been fa...
Read MoreWell a hint of chocolate opens your taste buds. What if there is chocolate everywhere around! And that too Belgian chocloate!! Its a grand celebration of Belgian chocolates, in just five days from now. The third Salon du Chocolat in Brussels will take place from Friday 5 February to Sunday 7 February in Hall 1 of Brussels Expo. This year’s event which will be primarily dedicated to a celebration of Belgian chocolate and For the City of Brussels, the event is a clear boost to the economic development of the entire Region: “With more than 30 chocolate specialists, Brussels’ expertise deserves a spotlight! I am very happy that this international event has come to our capital,” said Marion Lemesre, alderwoman for economic affairs for the City of Brussels. Philippe Close, alderman for tou
Read MoreMusic is life. Whichever part of the world you go, in every place and in every culture, music has a tradition. It has always been fascinating to witness the different styles and languages of the music. Some of the images of music as captured my roving camera! Music brings courage to face the world! (In streets of Antwerp) Music for the 'God' (At a church in Antwerp) Music for harmony! (at a park in Brussels!) Music inspires rhythm! (at a launch festival in Delhi) Music illuminates! (at a launch festival in Delhi) Music brings confidence to perform! (At a hotel in Singapore) Music brings out a symphony! (At a hotel in Singapore) Music gives the ability to charm! (At a hotel in Singapore) Music relives the tradition! (At a hotel in S...
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